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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Ground Technician

💰 $ - $

🎯 Role Definition

The Jet Ground Technician is a skilled ground operations professional responsible for safe, efficient and compliant aircraft servicing and ramp handling for jet aircraft. This role includes aircraft marshalling, pushback and towing, operation of ground support equipment (GSE), aircraft servicing (water, lavatory, GPU/air start, oxygen), coordination with flight crews and dispatch, and strict adherence to safety and regulatory procedures. Ideal candidates combine hands-on GSE operation experience with strong communications, procedural discipline and situational awareness on busy ramps.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Ramp Agent / Baggage Handler
  • Ground Support Equipment Operator
  • Airport Operations Assistant

Advancement To:

  • Senior Ground Technician / Ramp Lead
  • Ground Operations Supervisor / Ramp Operations Manager
  • Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Supervisor or Fleet Lead

Lateral Moves:

  • Aircraft Maintenance Technician (with additional certification)
  • De-icing Lead / Fueling Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Marshal, spot and hand-signals aircraft of all sizes to safe parking positions using standardized visual signals and illuminated wands, ensuring proper clearance and adherence to airline and airport ramp patterns.
  • Perform aircraft pushback and towing operations using tractors, towbar/towbarless tugs, and tow bars; coordinate with flight deck crew and ground control to execute safe pushbacks and tows in low-visibility and congested ramp conditions.
  • Connect and operate Ground Power Units (GPU), air start units, integrated air/ground carts and external air sources to support engine starts, APU shutdown/start cycles, and avionics power-up sequences.
  • Conduct pre-service and post-service walkarounds and safety inspections of aircraft exterior surfaces (engines, tires, access panels, static wicks) and report defects, fluid leaks, or FOD to maintenance and operations immediately.
  • Load and offload passenger baggage, cargo and mail using belt loaders, container loaders (AKH/K-loading systems), forklifts and pallet jacks while following weight and balance, ULD build and aircraft loading instructions.
  • Execute aircraft servicing tasks including potable water replenishment, lavatory servicing, aircraft waste disposal and cabin cleaning coordination with service providers to meet flight turnaround times.
  • Operate fueling interface equipment when certified, oversee and coordinate fuel truck arrival and connection, perform fuel panel checks, and verify fueling documentation and safety checks prior to departure.
  • Perform de-icing and anti-icing operations using booms and sprayers per operator-approved procedures and holdover time (HOT) calculations; coordinate with flight crew and de-ice supervisor for safe takeoff clearance.
  • Secure aircraft with wheel chocks, safety cones, and gear pins as required; install and remove safety locks and ground safety barriers at appropriate times during turnarounds.
  • Manage and maintain ground support equipment (GSE) including daily checks, basic troubleshooting, fueling, battery charging/replacement and reporting of mechanical defects to maintenance or GSE shop.
  • Operate air stairs, passenger boarding bridges (where applicable) and follow safe procedures for passenger boarding and disembarkation support; coordinate with cabin and gate agents for special assistance passengers.
  • Handle special loads and delicate cargo (ambulatory stretchers, wheelchairs, live animals, hazardous materials) according to airline and IATA/ICAO regulations and document handling procedures.
  • Maintain accurate ramp logs, load manifests, GPU/service logs, defect notices (MEL/defect tagging), and electronic system entries (AODB/Airline apps) to ensure traceability and regulatory compliance.
  • Apply FOD prevention protocols: conduct ramp FOD walks, collect debris, inspect ramp surfaces and communicate findings to operations and maintenance to prevent aircraft damage.
  • Communicate effectively with flight crew, dispatch, air traffic, and fellow ramp personnel via radio and hand signals to coordinate movement, door closures, and final walkaround checks for on-time departures.
  • Support irregular operations (IROPS) by assisting with aircraft recovery, repositioning, cargo redistribution, expedited turnarounds and passenger re-accommodation under supervisor direction.
  • Assist maintenance teams with removal/installation of small access panels, component transfers and transport of wheels/landing gear parts in compliance with tool control and maintenance directives.
  • Execute emergency procedures on ramp such as engine ingestion mitigation, hot brakes response, fuel spills and small fire response until emergency services arrive, following company emergency plans and safety protocols.
  • Train and mentor new ramp staff on standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety culture, proper equipment operation and airport-specific requirements to raise team competence and reduce incidents.
  • Enforce and adhere to airport security and ID badge procedures, secure ramp access points, and monitor contractor/vendor compliance with security and safety requirements.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist operations team with gate assignments, turnaround planning and real-time problem solving to improve on-time performance (OTP).
  • Coordinate with cargo and passenger services to expedite priority shipments and special handling requests for urgent or perishable items.
  • Support ad-hoc equipment requests, defect investigations and root-cause feedback loops to the GSE maintenance team.
  • Participate in periodic safety audits, pre-shift briefings and performance debriefs to continuously improve ramp processes.
  • Help maintain inventory of supplies, chocks, cones, safety barriers, tow bars and PPE and flag replenishment needs to supervisors.
  • Document and escalate near-misses and safety observations; participate in incident investigations as required.
  • Contribute to the airline’s ground operations manual updates by providing frontline feedback on practical procedural changes.
  • Provide standby support for irregular operations in bad weather, special events, and peak holiday schedules.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient aircraft marshalling and visual hand-signal techniques for jet aircraft of varying sizes.
  • Safe operation of pushback tractors, towbar/towbarless tugs, belt loaders, container loaders and forklifts.
  • Operation and connection of Ground Power Units (GPU), air-start carts and external air sources; knowledge of GPU voltage/procedure checks.
  • Aircraft servicing skills: potable water, lavatory servicing, cabin servicing coordination and basic cabin systems understanding.
  • De-icing/anti-icing procedures, HOT calculations and safe sprayer/boom operation (where certified).
  • Fueling coordination and fuel panel awareness, including basic knowledge of fueling safety protocols (certification may be required).
  • Experience with aircraft loading, ULD/container build-up, weight-and-balance principles and load manifest accuracy.
  • Ground Support Equipment (GSE) pre-use inspections, routine maintenance tasks, battery change and defect reporting.
  • Radio communication, phraseology and coordination with ATC/dispatch/flight deck using standard readbacks.
  • Knowledge of airport safety, FOD prevention, airport access control and ramp zone rules.
  • Handling and documentation of special cargo, live animals and hazardous materials according to IATA/ICAO/DG requirements.
  • Familiarity with airline operational systems (AODB, load/dispatch apps, electronic logbooks) for recording services and defects.
  • Basic mechanical troubleshooting for GSE and ramp equipment and ability to work with maintenance teams to resolve issues.
  • Certification or training in first aid/CPR and basic emergency response on the ramp (preferred).

Soft Skills

  • Strong situational awareness and ability to maintain focus in high-noise, high-traffic ramp environments.
  • Clear verbal and written communication; professional radio etiquette and ability to give/receive concise instructions.
  • Team player mentality; collaborative approach when coordinating with gate, cabin, maintenance and flight crews.
  • Time management and urgency orientation to meet tight turnaround times and maintain on-time departures.
  • Attention to detail and procedural discipline to ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.
  • Physical stamina and manual dexterity; ability to lift heavy items, climb stairs and work outdoors in varied weather.
  • Problem-solving mindset and adaptability during irregular operations or equipment failures.
  • Customer-focused attitude when interacting indirectly with passengers and frontline service teams.
  • Accountability and integrity in reporting defects, incidents and safety concerns.
  • Willingness to train and mentor junior staff and contribute to a positive safety culture.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma, GED or equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational certificate in aviation ground operations, logistics or a related technical discipline.
  • FAA A&P certificate or equivalent (for roles that bridge ramp and light maintenance), where applicable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Aviation Maintenance Technology
  • Airport Operations / Aviation Ground Handling
  • Logistics and Supply Chain
  • Mechanical or Automotive Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1–3 years experience in ramp operations, ground handling or GSE operation for commercial jets.

Preferred:

  • 2+ years as a ramp agent, ground support technician or ramp equipment operator with experience on narrow- and wide-body jet aircraft and documented safety record.
  • Demonstrated experience with pushback/tow operations, GPU/air-start use, and cargo/ULD handling.
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